Ketamine

Ketamine is a drug that is also known as Special K or Vitamin K.

Short Term Effects

At low doses, ketamine causes relaxation, which is why it has been used as a veterinary anesthetic.

However, at higher doses, ketamine causes visual distortions, tiredness, amnesia, and delirium. Ketamine acts by blocking n-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain. NMDA receptors are important for most brain functions, but are particularly important in memory formation.

Short Term Damage

Ketamine causes some of the same symptoms that someone with schizophrenia would experience.

These include:

Altered perception

Hallucinations

Paranoia

Delusions

People that use ketamine report that things seem unreal, they feel disconnected from their body, and their sense of time is altered.

Long Term Damage

Ketamine is not habit forming nor does dependence develop.

However, long term damage does occur because the drug blocks NMDA receptors, memory loss and subsequent learning difficulties. Long term use may also lead to clinical depression.

Overdose

Ketamine Addiction

The main concern with ketamine overdose is respiratory depression and death. Unfortunately, Ketamine overdose is difficult to recognize and treat in the emergency department.

Symptoms and Signs of Abuse

Unless a person is acutely intoxicated with ketamine, it is difficult to detect signs of abuse. Poor school performance and an unusual difficulty with memory are possible clues.

Adverse Interactions

As with other party drugs, ketamine is abused along with other substances and the resulting effects will vary depending on the drugs used.

When ketamine and amphetamine are used together, thought disorder, arousal, psychosis, and euphoria are intensified.

Ketamine and PCP act on the same neuronal receptors and have strong, additive effects.

Find a rehab that specializes in treatment for addiction to party drug (which includes treatment for ketamine addiction)